Library Instruction

Bunker Hill Community College Library Instruction Program

Bunker Hill Research & Instruction Librarians work to bring student-centered pedagogy and active learning to research skill sessions for a wide range of classes, modalities, divisions, and disciplines at Bunker Hill Community College.

Research & Instruction Librarians work with faculty partners to design library instruction sessions and learning activities that connect to current assignment needs, giving students the opportunity to practice and apply those skills in a meaningful context.

Goals for working with students include:

• Strengthening research skills for ongoing academic success, as well as practicing research literacy in diverse applications.
• Meeting students’ needs where they are and supporting them on their research literacy journeys.

Goals for collaborating with faculty include:

• Creating learning-driven partnerships between librarians and faculty via strong communication.
• Working with faculty early in the assignment process so librarians can support students’ research skills scaffolding.
• Maintaining an assessment feedback loop.
• Using technology to support instruction efforts.

Expectations for Faculty 

In order to make the research instruction session as meaningful as possible for students, we ask that faculty:

1. Request Library Instruction Sessions at least 10 business days in advance
2. If choosing to not complete the questions on the Instruction Request Form, meet with Librarians (in person or online) at least 5 business days before the requested instruction date to share impacts of previous sessions (if applicable), and to review the course timeline, assignment, and desired outcomes
3. Assign the provided pre-assessment survey at least 5 business days before the library instruction session and encourage students to complete it
   1. For the best response rates, use class time to have students complete the survey 
4. Provide context for the library session to your students, including
   1. What skills you want them to learn/strengthen
   2. Why you think it is important that they develop these skills
   3. How the skills presented will connect to their research assignment or other work in your class
5. Participate actively in the session to help convey the importance of the class content to students. This can look like:
   1. Catching up latecomers
   2. Encouraging participation
   3. Checking in with students during active learning
   4. responding to questions and place them in the larger context of your course

It is impossible to cover all aspects of research in a single session; many research skills require a progressive approach. The time needed will vary depending on the specifics of the assignment and students’ prior research experiences. We build in time for active learning and/or applied practice of research skills, which limits how many skills can be covered in a single session. 

We are happy to work with you to develop a series of lessons over multiple class meetings that will support your students throughout the research process. We can also provide you with resources to cover some research skills outside of the library.

Requesting a Library Instruction Session

Please use the Instruction Request Form to make a request for an instruction session. Library instruction sessions and support are available for in-person, online, and web-based courses. We will do our best to accommodate all class requests, but cannot guarantee availability during peak times.  

Library instruction session content will vary depending on students’ prior research experiences and the specific needs of the assignment. We are happy to work with you to develop a series of research lessons over multiple class meetings.

Teaching all the research skills needed is not possible in a single session, so we are happy to work with you to develop a series of lessons over multiple class meetings that will support your students throughout the research process.